Jack Mele

John 'Jack' Anthony Mele

January 17, 1922 - March 29, 2017



Jack Mele was born in Wilmington, California on January 17, 1922 and spent his early years in the harbor area. He attended Phineas Banning High School from 1935 to 1939. After graduating from high school, he entered Whittier College and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in June of 1943.



After college, Jack was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers and played one season for the Dodgers before being drafted into the military. Jack served in the Army Air Force from 1943 to 1946 as a bombardier and radar navigator and held a final rank of 2nd Lieutenant before being discharged. Immediately after his military service, Jack went back to playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers, in 1946, and played for them until 1949.



During his years playing baseball, Jack returned to Whittier College earning both a secondary teaching credential and an elementary teaching credential. He went on to do further graduate work from 1950 to 1958 at the University of Southern California, where he obtained his Master of Arts Degree and his General Administration Credential.



Jack began his service as a teacher in the Yorba Linda Elementary School District. In September 1948, he became a member of the Valencia High School faculty where he taught general math, social studies, physical education and coached varsity football and varsity baseball.



Jack came to the Whittier Union High School District in September of 1950 and his service in this district was continuous at Whittier High School until his retirement in 1980. He taught English, US History and Physical Education. He served as the Varsity coach of football and baseball teams and was Athletic Director until 1963 when he was appointed Assistant Principal. In 1969, he stepped into the position of Principal at Whittier High and served in that capacity until he retired in 1980.



Jack gave distinguished service to the Whittier Union High School District, the City of Whittier and Whittier College. His common sense, judgment and acumen made him instinctively respected and admired by the faculty and the thousands of students and student athletes who were part of the Whittier High School family. Jack was honored by being named to the Whittier High School Hall of Fame. The citizens of Whittier also recognized the qualities of leadership in his term as a member of the City Council, presiding as Mayor for two years. Whittier College was an important element in Jack Meles life. From his days as an outstanding student athlete (member of the Whittier Colleges Athletic Hall of Fame) and his participation in many alumni affairs, he continued over many years to being an active alumnus.



Jack was a participating member of the community, being associated with the Whittier Host Lions Club (President 1976), Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce, PIH Foundation, Whittier Museum, Boys & Girls Club of Whittier, and was a devout Catholic living out his faith as an active parishioner of St. Marys Catholic Church for 68 years.



Jack is survived by his two sons, John (Linda) Mele and Vince Mele; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Erlene Woodward, when she passed away on December 18, 2011. Jack married Erlene on June 20th, 1945 while he was in the service. Jack and Erlene were college sweethearts and were married for 66 years. She was the love of his life!



A Memorial celebration of his life will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 11:15am at St. Marys Catholic Church, Whittier. Family & friends are invited to a reception that will immediately follow the service.

Remembrances may be made to:

-Whittier College Purple & Gold

P.O. Box 634

Whittier, CA 90608

OR

-Whittier Host Lions Scholarship Fund

P.O. Box 245

Whittier, CA 90608